Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, has defended his meeting with artist Uzo Njoku and blogger Noble Igwe, amid accusations that Njoku’s event exploits Yoruba culture and heritage, sparking backlash from socio-cultural groups.

The controversy centers on Njoku’s planned event, which critics claim appropriates Yoruba elements without credit, leading to petitions from Yoruba organizations and an online petition exceeding 10,000 signatures demanding an apology.

The meeting, captured in a video that surfaced Sunday, draws ire after past posts from Njoku and Igwe perceived as offensive to Yoruba ethnicity and leaders, including Igwe’s X post on withdrawing children from a Yoruba-led school and Njoku’s curse on President Bola Tinubu.

Aregbe states, “My role is not to fuel controversies but to provide diplomatic guidance and solutions that address concerns while ensuring the dignity and cultural values of the Yorubas are not undermined.” He reaffirmed commitment to cultural diversity, adding, “Let us not be divided by misinformation or hasty assumptions. Dialogue and understanding remain the best path to strengthening our unity as a people.”